Omega Ascension System[BL]

Lucian’s POV

*****

Who would have thought his first morning as Alpha king would put him between a rock and a hard place?

Okay—perhaps that was expected in the Lunarian palace.

But still.

The support from the Council of Fangs, the Eastern Wolves Council and other noble powers gathered for his coronation last night made him feel comfortable.

Too comfortable that he almost forgot his father left behind a rot in the palace. In the entire continent. One that could soon become an open secret.

"It’s all been suspicious before now but we’ve found possible evidence that your father didn’t just know what Axel would end up becoming. But directly sponsored it. And the Dark Hand." Hearing those words from Gamma Drax as he stood made his previous anger at Estella’s presence falter.

His gaze subconsciously darted to Elian and Kyren. The former’s eyes were wide while the latter’s amused expression shifted into something grim.

Glad to know he wasn’t the only one going through it.

"Sponsored?" Sylas was the one who repeated the word, making all heads turn to him. "Like... Maybe he was a part of it?"

Reina heaved. "We aren’t certain yet. But what Gamma Drax just said barely cuts it," she raised her head, eyes locked directly on Lucian’s. "Resources. Funds that were conveniently taken out of ’less important expenses’, such as military recruitment. All of them were channelled through encrypted sources. All linked to the capital’s industrial district."

The capital city’s industrial district. The one place most nobles and members of the royal court knew as the birthplace of the Dark Hand in Lunaria.

"No offence, councillors." Aurora’s interruption was sharp and perfectly timed, a smile that didn’t reach her eyes spread across her face. "If this really is the case, I still don’t see reasons to keep Estella here. She was an active member of the Dark Hand—"

"Princess," Reina’s head tilted, gaze fleeting between her and Seraphyne. "Your... Friend. Seraphyne, right?"

Lucian’s jaw ticked.

Dear gods—no.

At the mention of her mate, Aurora’s steel expression shattered. "Y–Yes. What about—"

"I’m talking to her now," Reina ignored his sister, eyes dimming at the black-haired girl sitting beside her. "You used to work in a tier one hotel in the industrial district. But in recent days, your boss there said you’ve been on leave."

Aurora banged a hand on the table. "What’s the meaning of this? Are... Are you spying on my... On my..." Her lips trembled, refusing to reveal who she really was to her.

Even before the council members.

Lucian understood her fears. Their reason for keeping their relationship secret.

But what he won’t do is stand here and watch her get forced to open up about something she didn’t originally wish to.

"Enough." He ordered when Reina was about to push more.

All heads turned to him as one. Silence settled in the dining room, thick and suffocating.

What he was about to say would lead to secrets that could not only shake his rule. But probably upend the dynasty and the fake image of his father that the empire had.

If that’s the case—so be it.

Amara’s little "test" in those pocket dimensions made him realise he feared ushering in a reign where the Stormborn line would end. Placing a stain on Lunarian history alongside it.

He feared inheriting his father’s evils. And that of his grandfather as well.

Not anymore.

"Estella can stay in the palace... For now." He continued under the expectant eyes of the council members. "If she steps out of line. Does or says anything remotely suspicious..." He angled his face toward where the snake sat.

She shrank, terror and unease tinting her makeup-heavy features.

Lucian uttered the next words with finality. "... I will not only hang her shredded body on my palace walls for all to see—I’ll also make sure every noble house knows it was your fault." With that, he faked a smile at the Gamma and Delta, ignoring the hesitation on their faces. "As for my father... Call a meeting. Every important faction, noble house and council must attend. Tonight."

Through the bond, he felt the tension from Elian like it was his. It seeped into his bones, raw and real.

"All of Lunaria shall know the truth then."

.

.

Breakfast after that was eaten through disgruntled looks, quiet clangs on the plates and most eyes occasionally fleeting to the woman who had indirectly placed the royals on edge.

Estella tried her best to seem invisible under all that. An impossible task when Lucian glared daggers at her.

After breakfast, he got up first, his chair scraping against the marble floor. He glanced briefly at Elian, giving him a small smile before moving.

Of course, his mate didn’t let him walk through the palace halls alone for long.

"Lucian?" Elian chased after him, his footsteps hastier than his voice. When he got to his side, he slowed to Lucian’s pace, tone lowering to a whisper. "Are you really going to do what I think you’re going to do? Tonight?"

The latter’s hands twitched at his sides. "If you mean confessing all I know about my father and the secrets he kept... Then yes."

"Lucian." Elian blurted. "But that’s—"

"I don’t know if you’ve felt it brewing, Elian." Lucian came to a halt when they got in front of an Ascension platform. He pinned his eyes on that pretty face and blonde white hair streaked silver. "War. It may not be clear now, but Lunaria can no longer remain neutral. If I’m going to drag this Empire into a war it’s avoided for millennia, I can’t do it with lies."

Elian’s throat bobbed. "I–I understand, Lucian. But then you also have to think of the possible consequences. Kyren, illegitimate or not, is the spawn of your grandfather’s first son. Your throne will be at risk. They might even say the Stormborn line is no longer fit."

He paused for a breath. "Then your father’s atrocities and his aid to Amara and Garrick. It’ll all be too much—"

"Elian," Lucian grabbed his shoulders, making him stare into his eyes. Actually stare without looking away for a second. "If things get so heated and I have to step down... I don’t care. I don’t care if the world ends up being in shambles—as long as you’re in it with me, I’m fine."

His mate’s eyes gleamed with a wetness that refused to break out. Without warning, Elian wrapped his arms around Lucian, burying his face on his neck.

Lucian stiffened for only a moment before he quickly hugged him back.

"I may not understand my powers yet," Elian muttered, voice cracking. "But I promise... I’ll use everything in me to help. We will still face and stop Amara’s evil."

All Lucian could do was smile, eyes shutting as they stayed there.

Ready for what those against them may throw.